I've been reading the thread on learning histories and thinking...
Someone noted that hypertext enables you to get to distant sites by a
series of links, but gives you no sense (unless someone has done
something extra) of the overall geography. I've certainly noticed this in
the World Wide Web.
In many areas, I notice my own different reactions to having a map of
the territory vs. having just a usable set of directions, but no a map.
When it comes to driving directions, I'm very uncomfortable if I don't
have a map. Someone tells me, "Exit 13, take a left at the end of the
ramp..." and I immediately want to know, "Will I be going East or West at
that point?"
I want a map because I know that directions can be fragile and the map
can help me navigate even if something goes wrong. Even if I'm given
clear directions that will probably work, I insist on getting a rough
map.
In the Learning Org field, I make mind maps of what relates to what in an
effort to organize the field in my own mind.
Thinking about the findings of my friends in Human Dynamics, I'm tempted
to think this is a matter of "types" -- some people would want
directions, others, like me want a map.
Now for the confusing part: In a temporal context, I'm very comfortable
moving ahead without knowing where we are going. As a program leader, I
have to prod myself to be conscious that many people will be
extraordinarily uncomfortable without a clear "map" of where we are
going.
--
Richard Karash ("Rick") | <http://world.std.com/~rkarash>
Speaker, Facilitator, Trainer | email: rkarash@karash.com
"Towards learning organizations" | Host for Learning-Org Mailing List
(617)227-0106, fax (617)523-3839 | <http://world.std.com/~lo>